Kendall's sparkling third installment in her Bridesmaid Chronicles series (after First Kiss
) offers both zany romance and serious probing of her protagonists' emotional depths. Vivien Shelton, a top New York divorce attorney, travels to rural Fredericksburg, Tex., to convince long-time friend Julia to sign a prenuptial agreement before her upcoming marriage to vineyard owner Roman Sonntag. Sparks fly when Viv encounters J.B. Anglin, the Sonntag family attorney with whom she had a one-night fling three years earlier. The flirty banter between Viv and J.B. is deft, with her suave Manhattan socialite lingo pitted against his good ol' boy southern charm. As J.B. must come to terms with his failed first marriage, so Viv is forced to alter her cynical view of marriage and commitment. But Viv and J.B. aren't the only characters in town, as evidenced by a colorful emu chase and Viv's encounter with local law enforcement. This witty, well-crafted entry bodes well for the final volume, First Love
. Agent, Kim Whalen at Trident. (Aug.)
